John Lithgow has officially begun filming as Professor Albus Dumbledore for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot, and fans can’t stop talking about it. The actor was recently spotted on a beach in Cornwall, England, wearing Dumbledore’s long white beard and signature robes. These are the first leaked photos of him from the set, since production began in July (via NY Post).
But what really caught people’s attention was the scene that Lithgow was filming. According to Reddit users who analyzed the leaked images, it seems to show the scene from the first book where Dumbledore goes to meet Nicholas Flamel to discuss destroying the Philosopher’s Stone.
Well, it seems that fans believe this key moment from the book that sadly never appeared in the original films is now being shot for HBO’s version. If Redditor’s speculations come true, the upcoming Harry Potter reboot could bring back an important part of the first book that movie fans never got to see.
The table contains basic details on the Harry Potter films:
Dumbledore’s Journey to Devon Determined the Fate of the Stone and Voldemort
Before we proceed any further, let’s recall the scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone book. Because it seems that John Lithgow is indeed shooting the crucial scene that the Warner Bros. film skipped.
Well, in the first book, after the events of Harry facing Voldemort, who was using Professor Quirrell’s body, Professor Dumbledore traveled to Devon to meet his old friend Nicolas Flamel. The alchemist and his wife, Perenelle, lived quietly there and had long been close to Dumbledore through their work.
Together, they discussed what to do with the Philosopher’s Stone, the magical object that could give immortality. The very stone that Voldemort tried to steal to regain his power. So, after Harry destroyed Quirrell and forced Voldemort out of his body, Dumbledore knew that leaving the stone intact would only bring more danger.
Therefore, during the meeting, Dumbledore and Flamel agreed that the only way to keep the world safe was to destroy the Philosopher’s Stone. Though it meant giving up their own immortality, Flamel understood the importance of the choice. At over 665 years old, he and Perenelle had lived long, full lives.
That’s when they decided to use the last of their Elixir of Life to settle their affairs and quietly pass away when the time came. Later, Dumbledore explained the decision to Harry in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. He told Harry that for the Flamels, death would be like “going to bed after a very, very long day.”
So now, it seems that Potterheads might finally get to see this scene come to life in the Harry Potter reboot.
John Lithgow Stuns as Dumbledore in Leaks From HBO’s Harry Potter Set
Meanwhile, John Lithgow seems to have officially become Professor Albus Dumbledore for HBO’s Harry Potter reboot. No, really, his new look from the beach in Cornwall, England, wearing Dumbledore’s long white beard, flowing robes, and small half-moon glasses, is looking literally book accurate.
Considering how it’s the first time he’s been seen on set, fans immediately noticed how close his look is to the Dumbledore described in J.K. Rowling’s books. In fact, his version of Dumbledore seemed more perfect than Michael Gambon’s portrayal in the original films. And that’s a major statement that fans might not agree with.
But overall, his softer expression, gentle eyes, and older appearance match the wise and calm Dumbledore that readers remember. And it all seems to be stemming from John Lithgow’s dedication to the role. After all, he previously told ScreenRant that Dumbledore feels like the kind of role that will stay with him forever.
I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival… and it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid… I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.
The Harry Potter reboot is set to premiere in 2026, with each season adapting one book from J.K. Rowling’s series. That means Lithgow could be playing Dumbledore for nearly a decade, finishing the entire series in 2033, when he’ll be 87. No wonder it’s a huge commitment.
Let us know what your opinion is on the possible scene from the Harry Potter set leaks.
Harry Potter films are currently streaming in the US on HBO Max.